Machine gun mount



June 29, 1937. a. JOHNSTON MACHINE GUN MOUNT Filed Jan. 5, 1935 ll Sheets-Sheet l June 29,193 G. JOHNSTON 2 08 MACHINE GUN MOUNT Filed Jan. 5, 1933 ll Sheets-Sheet 2 I I I 5 June 29, 1937. t a. JOHNSTON MACHINE GUN MOUNT Filed Jan. 5. I 33 11 Sheets- 3 June 29, 1937. JOHNSTON 2,085,024

MACHINE GUN MOUNT Filed Jan. 5, 1935 ll Sheets-Sheet 4 June 29, 1937. JOHNSTON 2,085,024

MACHINE GUN MOUNT Filed Jan. 5, 1935 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 29, 1937. a. JOHNSTON MACHINE GUN MOUNT Filed Jan; 5. 1933 ll Sheets-Sheet 6 J1me 1937- a. JOHNSTON 2 MACHINE GUN MOUNT Filed Jan. 5, 1933 11 Sheets-Sheet 7 June 29, 1937. G. JOHNSTON MACHINE GUN MOUNT Filed Jan. 5,1933

11 Sheets-Sheet 8 Julie 29, 1937. JOHNSTON 2,085,024

MACHINE GUN MOUNT Filed Jan. 5, 1933 11 Sheets-Sheet 9 Ill 2 June 29, 1937. G. JOHNSTON MACHINE GUN MOUNT Filed Jan. 5, 1933 ll Sheets-Sheet l0 III! i l/ a 9 ZJ W 3012/- June 29, 1937. G. JOHNSTON 2,085,024

MACHINE GUN MOUNT Filed Jan- 1933 ll Sheets-Sheet l1 awe/r1403,

I 776'; fieeldozmfo/ufo/a Patented June 29, 1937 UNETED STATEE PATENT QFFEQE MACHINE GUN MOUNT mond, Va.

Application .i'anuary 5, 1933, Serial No. 650,344

24 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in a mount for supporting instruments upon vehicles of various kinds. While the mount herein set forth is particularly adapted for supporting a machine gun upon a motorcycle, it is to be understood that it can be used in connection with an automobile, an aeroplane, a railway car and a boat. Further, the instrument carried by the mount may be a field telescope, a machine gun, or rifle, a motion picture camera, or the like.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a light, compact mount of simple construction which will at all times hold the in- ]5 strument carried thereby in a rigid position. More specifically, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide the mount with an instrument carrying head of simple construction having a light weight cam plate having opposing cam segments positioned at an obtuse angle to one another, the cam plate being so shaped as to tighten itself against the braking means associated therewith as the instrument carrying head and instrument move from a predetermined set position.

More particularly, the instrument carrying head is pivotally mounted on a support and has a face provided with a pair of synclinally arranged braking surfaces. Braking means are provided for engaging said face at the junction of the synclinally arranged surfaces in the normal position of the instrument carrying head, and press against the face substantially at right angles whereby movement of the head from 35 normal position increases the braking effect of the braking means.

Another object of the invention is to provide simple and eifective means for fastening the mount to the motorcycle so that it turns with 4 Q the handle bar thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide the instrument supporting base upon which the instrument turntable is mounted with brace members which are rigidly fastened as a unit 5 with the light supporting brace and ammunition box to the fork frame.

A still further object of the invention is to provide means for locking the instrument turntable to the instrument supporting base so that lost motion between the two can be taken care of.

Another object of the invention is to provide the motorcycle with a main lamp positioned well below the instrument supporting base.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a signal light positioned on the projecting arm of the instrument carrying head and preferably mounted so that the horizontal central axis of the lamp is parallel to the horizontal central axis of the instrument or gun, the lamp being provided with a bulls eye and, therefore, in addition to functioning as a spot light also functions as a target or object finding medium.

Another object of the invention is to provide the motorcycle with ammunition boxes comprising stationary and movable compartments which will allow the easy removal therefrom of the magazine containing the ammunition and at the same time prevent the magazine from falling out when the motorcycle is in a normal position or inclined at an angle to the horizontal as occurs when turning curves.

A further object is to provide means operable from the handle bar of the motorcycle for braking the instrument turntable against the turntable supporting base.

Another object is to provide means operable from the handle bar for braking the instrument carrying head and its plate member in any desired position.

Still another object of the invention is to provide means for locking a gun to the gun seat.

An additional object is to provide signal light and noise control mechanism carried by the handle bar of the motorcycle.

Another object is to provide means for operating the gun trigger from a lever carried on the handle bar of the motorcycle.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification.

The present invention also contemplates certain novel details of combination, construction and arrangement of parts of the improved apparatus whereby certain important advantages are obtained, as will be more fully described hereinafter and pointed out in the claims, it being understood that the invention is susceptible of various changes in construction which may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The present invention will be disclosed and fully explained by reference to the accompany ing drawings.

Figure 1 is a side elevation showing the gun mount and means for positioning it on the motorcycle;

Fig. 2 is a back elevation looking in the direction of the arrow of Fig. 1, showing the mounting of the instrument carrying head base on the handle bar and the fork members;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the gun mount positioned on the motorcycle;

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the motorcycle spot light lens;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal vertical section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a horizontal section on line 5-5 of Fig. 5, a portion of the plunger casing being broken away to show the spring;

Fig. 7 is a combined sectional and side elevational view, the section being taken on line 'l'i of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a detail of the lubricating plate interposed between the instrument carrying head base and base standard;

Fig. 9 is a perspective of the spring actuated plunger shown in Figs. 5 and 6;

Fig. 10 is a detail of the lubrication washer carried by the main fastening bolt;

Fig. 11 is a detail of means for locking the instrument turntable to the instrument supporting base and means for taking up lost motion therebetween;

Fig. 12 is a detail of the locking means;

Fig. 13 is a detail of the means for taking up the lost motion between the instrument support ing base and the turntable;

Fig. 14 is a side elevation partially in section of the ammunition box or carrier;

Fig. 15 is a partial vertical section of the ammunition carrier taken on the line i5--l5 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a plan view of the movable closure compartment of the ammunition box;

Fig. 1'? is a perspective view of the instrument carrying head;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the instrument carrying head base or turntable;

Fig. 19 is a perspective of the self-lubricating friction disk interposed between the instrument supporting base and the instrument turntable;

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the instrument supporting base provided with downwardly extending leg members and flange members where by the supporting base is mounted on the motorcycle frame;

Fig. 21 is a perspective of the light bracket;

Fig. 22 is a detail of the light bracket strengthening member;

Fig. 23 is a detail of the light bracket brace;

Figs. 24 to 2'7 inclusive are vertical sectional views showing the instrument carrying head and spring pressure means in various positions to provide frictional resistance for preventing the instrument carrying head from turning after it has been once set in a predetermined position;

Fig. 28 is a side View of the cam shaped instrument carrying head;

Fig. 29 is a side elevation of the reverse side of the cam shaped member;

' Fig. 30 is a plan view partially in section of the cam shaped member, the section being taken along line 3E3! of Fig. 28;

Fig. 31 is a bottom plan view of the instrument carrying head;

Fig. 32 is a side elevation of the cam shaped member;

Fig. 33 is a plan view of means for braking the turntable to the instrument supporting base and separate means for braking the plate member of the instrulnent carrying head, both means being operable from the motorcycle handle bar;

Fig. 34 is a vertical section taken on line 3 i-3l of Fig. 33;

Fig. 35 is a vertical section taken on line 35-35 of Fig. 33, showing details of the handle bar brake operating mechanism;

Fig. 36 is a side elevation looking in the direction of the arrow of Fig. 35;

Fig. 37 is an enlarged plan View partially in section of the handle bar brake-operating mechanism;

Fig. 38 is an enlarged horizontal sectional View of the instrument-plate braking shoe and its associated elements, taken on line 38-38 of Fig. 33;

Fig. 39 is an enlarged vertical section of the mechanism for braking the turntable to its supporting base;

Fig. 40 is a transverse vertical section taken on line 4ii ifi of Fig. 33;

Fig. 41 is an enlarged vertical section taken on line i|il of Fig. 39;

Fig. 42 is a side view partially in section showing a modified form of mount adapted tobe mounted on a Harley-Davison motorcycle;

Fig. 43 is a vertical section on line 43--43 of Fig. 42;

Fig. 44 shows a modified form of mounting the instrument turntable on the instrument base whereby the horizontal position of the mount may be varied;

Fig. 45 is a bottom plan view of the mounting shown in Fig. 44;

Fig. 46 is a vertical section on the line 4546 of Fig. 44;

Fig. 47 is a front elevation partially in section of a lock for locking the instrument to the seat carried by the instrument carrying head;

Fig. 48 is a front elevation of the locking mechanism in its locked position;

Fig. 49 is a similar view showing the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

Fig. 50 is a front elevation partly in section showing an intermediate position of the locking mechanism whereby the trigger guard base of the gun may be snapped into a holding position and thereafter locked to the instrument carrying head seat;

Fig. 51 is a vertical section on line 5l-5l of Fig. 49;

Fig. 52 is a horizontal cross scetion taken on the line 52-52 of Fig. 48, the key being in a position to be turned to its unlocking position;

Fig. 53 is a detail of the roller locking member;

Fig. 54 is a perspective of the locking clog adapted to cooperate with the roller locking member;

Fig. 540. is a detail of a locking key;

Fig. 55 is a side elevation of the signal and noise control mechanism carried by the handle bar of the motorcycle;

Fig. 56 is a plan View thereof;

Fig. 57 is an end View thereof partially in section taken in the direction of the arrow of Fig. 55;

Fig. 58 is a composite view of the signal light and noise mechanism showing the necessary wiring;

Fig. 59 is a perspective View of the control switch elements in their disassembled relationship;

Fig. 60 is an end elevation partially in section of the instrument carrying head having a gun positioned thereon and showing the mechanism for operating the gun trigger from a lever positioned on the handle bar of the motorcycle;

61 is a side elevation showing the gun trigger, the guard therefor. the gun locking mom-- ber, the trigger cable and the coil spring adapt- (ill ed to retract the trigger cable to rest position;

Fig. 62 is a perspective view of the trigger cable and its cooperating coil spring;

Fig. 63 is a horizontal sectional view of the cable plug mounted in the gun locking member;

Fig. 64 is a perspective view of the cable plug;

Fig. 65 is a plan view partly in section of the trigger operating ever connected in operative relationship to the trigger cable;

Fig. 6-; is a sectional detail of means for mounting the trigger cable in a safety position.

The motorcycle shown in the drawings is of the customary type, and has a front steering wheel l mounted in a front fork frame 2, having fork legs 3 and fork brace legs 6, said fork frame being pivotally connected to the motorcycle body in a substantially vertical axis as is customary. Mounted in the steering post frame 5 is a steeing post 8 to which is attached the handle bar head l having a handle bar 8. The fork legs 3 are connected to the handle bar head i and turned therewith. The steering post (i is fastened to the cross bar 9 w ich is in turn connested to the fork leg braces i at the points ifi,

and also to the fork legs 3. The motorcycle is provided with the usual front spring I l and mud guard 2. The instrument mount comprises an instrument supporting base IS, an instrument carrying-head base or turntable it upon which is mounted an instrument carrying head standard l5 carrying a transverse bearing member or axle it upon which is mounted an instrument carrying head $77 so that it can swing on the hearing member from an upper to a lower position.

The instrument carrying-head is provided with an instrument rest or seat i8 and carries an extending supporting arm l9 which is preferably integral therewith to reduce vibration to a min imum. It may be pointed out that upon firing the gun 22' the supporting member it carries a substantial proportion of the recoil directly to the carrying head H which is constructed to effectively take up the vibration produced by the recoil.

. The instrument supporting base if is in the form of a disk and is provided with downwardly and somewhat inwardly extending flanges 2i and 22 which are mounted on the bolts 23 and 25 of the handle bar head so that when the handle bar 8 turns, the instrument supporting base turns therewith. The instrument supporting base i3 is provided with supporting or brace members 25 and 26 which may be made of a bendable material to fit the motorcycle braces, but preferably the supporting members are initially given the correct shape, as shown in Fig. 3, as it is desirable that the supporting members 25 and 26 be rigid members. As shown in Fig. 3, the supporting braces 25 and extend downwardly from the supporting base E23 and terminate in turned-in end pieces 2? and 28.

A light bracket is rovided upon which is mounted the light The light bracket is shown in Fig. 23 and in a fitted position in Fig.

5 3. The light bracket is provided with legs 32 and 33, as shown in Fig. these legs may be bent to form bent-out and 35 terminating in to 1ed-in end pieces and Here again, it preferable to initially make the bracket 3t 7 of a rigid material bent at the time of its manufacture to conform to the desired shape which is of course determined by the type of motorcycle to which the esent invention is applied.

The support lg braces and 26 are fastened 75 to the brace legs by means of bolts 3% and 3E It is to be noted that these bolts also function to fasten the ammunition box 29 to brace legs "3. the bolts 38 passing through the end pieces 2? and 28 of the supporting bracket and 38 and 3'! of the light bracket.

The bolts 33 and 39 which are carried by the ammunition box are positioned rearwardly of and immediately adjacent the fork brace legs 6, pass through the flanges 25 and 26, and are secured to the compression plate lli. The bolts 50 hereinafter referred to are positioned in front of the respective fork brace legs i, and pass through the lamp bracket fianges 4G and ii. This as semblage of elements furnishes means for rigidly fastening as a unit the respective leg members of the supporting brace, and the light bracket, and the ammunition boxes to the fork frame.

The use of a mount of the character described makes it desirable to place the main light or lamp in the position shown in Fig. 1, well below the mount. Locating the lamp or light in this position is advantageous, as for high speed riding the road is well illuminated. A motorcycle of the type illustrated is provided with a light or lamp bracket ll rigidly mounted on the steering post 8. In order to position the lamp iii in the position referred to, the light bracket (ii is provided with a forwardly extending member 42 which is connected to the bracket ti by suitable means, as shown at 43 and M. If desired, the members ti and 42 may be made integral. The lamp bracket or support 30 has positioned adjacent thereto a strengthening member provided with flanges 46 and 41. The lamp 36 has fastened thereto a threaded stud 48 which passes through the aperture 42a of extension member 32, the bracket 36 and the reinforcing member -55, a nut to being threaded onto the end of the bolt. To furnish additional support for the ammunition boxes 29, bolts 56 pass through the side walls i compartment 5 3 mounted on an axis 68 about which it swings or moves. The stationary compartment has a side wall 55, top wall 56 and end walls 5?, a portion of each end wall being cut away to provide guards 58. The side wall 55 has at its bottom-most portion a lip projecting therefrom at an angle, the lip functioning to limit the movement of the movable or swinging compartment M- to such a position as will enable the easy removal of the magazine 50 and at the same time prevent the magazine from falling out when the motorcycle is in a normal vertical position or inclined at an angle to the horizontal as occurs when turning curves.

The movable compartment 5 5 has a side wall iii and end walls 62. walls, as indicated in Fig. 16, are flanges 63 which insure the magazine being carried with the movable compartment E i. When the motorcycle is going around curves, if the flanges 63 were not provided, the magazine would, in some cases,

lie against the side wall and this is prevented by the flanges.

Fastened in wall 65 of the movable compartment 5% is a locking tongue which moves about a pivot 65 and into a slot 66 whereby the swing- Projecting from the end ing inner compartment may be locked to the outer stationary compartment. To prevent the locking tongue (it from being moved out of its locked position, a supplemental lock Bl is provided.

It is to be noted that the locking tongue projects from a channel-shaped body member 69 having flanges 'ill and l l. The supplemental lock becomes operative by inserting a key in the key hole i2 and turning the key to allow the plunger 13 to enter the channel member 69 and thereby prevent the channel member 68 from turning on its pivot 65.

Upon the instrument supporting base l3 there is mounted for horizontal rotative movement the instrument carrying head base or turntable M. A self lubricating friction disk l l is interposed therebetween and is provided with lubricating pockets containing a suitable lubricating material such as medium soft grease or a mixture thereof with graphite. These pockets are interconnected by means of grooves l6 and certain of the pockets 75 are interconnected with grooves Tl which extend to points adjacent the circumferential surface of the disk. Grooves it and H insure adequate lubrication of the top surface 18 of the instrument supporting base it and the bottom surface of the turntable M. It is to be noted that the lubricating pockets or reservoirs extend through the disk i i while the grooves it and H do not. The end face of the disk is provided with similar grooves.

A fastening bolt it passes through the apertures Bil, 8i and 82 respectively of the instrument supporting base it, disk i i and the turntable i l. The bolt shank 83 carries a lubricating washer 8d, a bearing washer 85 and has a locking nut 86 threaded thereon. The lubricating washer 84 has on both its upper and lower faces lubricating grooves 8?. The locking nut as is provided with teeth 88 which function to provide grooves adapted to receive a cotter pin 89 which passes through an aperture in the bolt shank 83. The above arrangement insures that after the turntable M has been put under the proper compression stress, the locking nut 56 will rotate with the bolt '79, thereby preventing the locking nut 8% from becoming unscrewed.

While the bolt and nut arrangement set forth provides for little vertical or lost motion between the instrument carrying base it and the turntable i l, usually there is a very small vertical motion, and auxiliary means are provided for eliminating the same.

Referring to Figs. 11 and 13, the instrument supporting base 53 is provided adjacent its circumferential wall with an aperture, the walls of which are threaded to receive a screw as provided with a friction head which may be made of fiber, bakelite or similar material. In order to take up any vertical or lost motion between the supporting base it and the turntable id, the threaded pin 9i is tightened against the bottom wall of the turntable and after it is tightened it is held in position by tightening the nut 92 against the bottom wall 93a of the instrument supporting base it. It is obvious that the pin Gil may be mounted in the turntable i i and press against the upper face of the instrument carrying base it, and it will then function in a similar manner to eliminate lost or vertical motion.

Means are provided for locking the turntable id to the instrument supporting base l3 and when these two members are locked together the gun is oriented by a movement of the handle bar. When the two members referred to are interlocked, then the horizontal orientation of the gun is made by rotating the turntable on the instrument supporting base. In order to lock the turntable Hi to the supporting base iii, the latter is provided with a recess 93 adapted to receive the end of a pin 94 threadedly carried by the instrument supporting base it. The pin St is provided with a head 95 having an extending handle 96. When the pin 94 is withdrawn from the recess 93 by operation of the handle 96, the turntable M is free to rotate with respect to the instrument carrying head l3. To look the members together, the turntable I4 is rotated until the recess 93 is opposite the end of the pin 9 5. Thereafter the handle 96 is turned to allow the pin to project into the recess to tighten and lock the members together. a

The turntable I4 may be rotated by using the gun stock 9?, as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings. Mounted on the turntable I4 is a male slide 98 which cooperates and looks with the female slide usually provided on the stock of the gun.

The instrument carrying head 111 is mounted on the transverse bearing member or axle it which is journaled in the instrument supporting standard l5.

Interposed between the instrument carrying head I? and the standard 15 is a lubricating plate 99 shown in detail in Fig. 8, said plate being provided with lubricating pockets Hill which are interconnected with grooves ill! on both the upper and lower faces of the plate, the plate functioning similarly to friction plate it.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the instrument carrying head ll comprises a fiat disk H32 and a cam plate we, a spacing plate I94 being interposed therebetween. Referring more particularly to Fig. 17, the instrument seat l8 provided with ears Hi5 and till projects from the arm M5, the latter as shown in the drawings being united to the plates m2 and H13. However, it is to be understood that this is merely illustrative of suitable means for fastening a gun rest to the carrying head H, and that other fastening means may be employed.

The cam plate I63 carried by the axle l6 may be made by bending it outwardly along the vertical diametrical axis A--B so that each half C and D of the cam plate is at an angle to a vertical plane C-D passing through the axis AB of the plate and located between the disk plate Hi2 and the cam plate proper. The angle X, as shown in Fig. 6, and as apparent from inspection of Fig. 17, which the cam plate we forms with the plane referred to, may of course vary according to the load carried but in the mount illustrated the angle is about 15. It is, therefore, obvious that each half C and D of the cam plate when the latter is subjected to force tending to move it from set positions, tends to tighten itself against the cam pin H38 which carries a compression spring, as hereinafter described. It is of course obvious that the cam plate I33 instead of being made out of a metal plate and bent along its diametrical vertical axis may be cast so that the two halves C and D of the plate are at an angle to the vertical plane passing through the axis AB of the plate. Various other ways of making a camming plate which will function similar to the camming plate herein disclosed will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the cam pin W3 forms a braking means for the instrument carrying head, the braking means being normally located at the junction of two synclinally arranged surfaces formed on one face of an arcuate portion of the head and that the initial pressure may be adjusted to suit the conditions of use. It will be also seen that the pressure of the pin Hi8 which functions as braking means, is substantially at right angles to the face of the head and substantially parallel to the pivotal axis of the head.

Positioned adjacent the outer face of the cam plate m3 is a compression plate M9, the latter being secured by means of rivets Hi to the cam plate and its corresponding disk plate I32. The axle or bolt l6 passes through the compression plate and carries a compression spring i H which bears against the compression plate ltd. Threadedly mounted on the shank of the bolt it is an adjusting lock nut H2 whereby suitable pressure may be exerted against the cam plate l'il3. Interposed between the cam plate, com pression spring Hi and the looking or compression nut H2 is a lock washer H3.

The axis or bolt i6 is provided with the usual bolt head H4 which is slotted at H5. A pin H6 projecting from the standard l5 rests in the slot and thereby prevents the bolt from turning when the locking nut H2 is tightened.

The bolt shank of the bolt 16 is cut away to provide a fiat face Mia and the washer lit also has a flat face il3a as shown in Fig. '7. This construction of the bolt shank and washer prevents the lock nut 8 !2 from being loosened when the carrying head it is swung about its axis Hi from a predetermined set position.

This construction provides a second braking means wherein, after it is set for initial pressure, the braking pressure is maintained uniformly in all positions of the head.

Positioned on the turntable i4 is a cam plunger supporting member l H, provided with slots at the points I 58 and H9 in the respective end walls I28 and Hi, the slots acting as bearings for the cam plunger I08. The cam plunger lfit riding in the slots is provided with a bearing plate !22, and has at its forward end a shoe I23 of a material softer than the plunger material. The shoe may be made of fiber composition, raw hide, hard rubber, bakelite or the like. Encasing the cam plunger 5% is a compression spring 12 5, the for ward end bearing against the plate 122, and the rearward end against the upper end of the wall I20.

When the carrying head i! and its cam plate N33 is moved off center and upwardly, the spring 2 is compressed and the cam plunger moves rearv/ardly. The cam plate iii-3 in moving offcenter or from a predetermined set position, tightens itself against the cam plunger. If the instrument which is carried by the carrying head is subjected to a shock such as the recoil of a gun, or that imparted to a motorcycle by passing over a rough surface, the carrying head and its cam plate will move momentarily, but when the force inducing the shock has expended itself, or is removed, the cam plate returns substantially to its original position. It is desired to point out that the use of pressure means in connection with a cam plate of the structure herein set forth has a dual function, namely it permits the cam plate to tighten itself against the cam plunger, operating under the pressure of the compression spring as the carrying head is moved from a predetermined set position, and also under the action of shocks it brings the carrying head substantially back to its predetermined set position.

The cam plunger supporting member II! has flanges i 25 provided with apertures I26, the walls of which are threaded to receive screws lZl. Corresponding apertures are provided in the turntable it. When it is necessary to put the compression spring 12 5 under greater pressure, as for example when the spring pressure has been adjusted for a gun of a certain weight and a heavier gun is used, the cam plunger supporting member H2" may be brought inwardly towards the cam E23 and fastened to the turntable it by in- 1g the fastening screws l2'l into the proper turntable apertures.

The supportin member i I! is provided with a d cover plate i228, so that the cam plunger I08 nay pass through the ends thereof. The cover late prevents the compression spring from com- 1n-= out when the cam plunger is moved and also events dirt from coming in contact with the ec'nanism. The cam plunger N38 has an aperture 29 adapted to receive a cotter pin, so that the cam plunger can be retracted and held in its retracted position to facilitate the removal of the carrying head i! from its supporting standard i 5.

In Figures 2a to 2'7 inclusive, modifications are shown of a carrying head having a flat plate I33 instead of a cam plate. It is desired to point out that the cam plate hereinbefore described is the preferable form of plate to use, so as to accomplish the precise functions desired. However, under certain circumstances, a fiat plate may be used. When using a fiat plate, it is mounted upon the bolt or axle i6 and has positioned adjacent thereto the primary compression spring H I, together with the train of elements necessary to function the spring. The mount is also provided with a secondary compression spring 62 and its operating elements may be similar to those already described. As illustrated in Fig. 25, two secondary compression springs 22s and Mia are provided. The cam plunger its is provided with a hook member 31, and the cam plunger ltBa is also provided with a hook member E32. It is to be noted. that the compression springs I24 and 52 3:; are positioned on opposite sides of the cam plate E39, and in this way the application of the secondary pressure may be applied as desired. As shown in Fig, 25, secondary pressure is applied to the cam plunger face 5363a and the primary pressure is applied to the cam face I301), the secondary compression spring being mounted on the turntable I l. As illustrated in Fig. 27, the secondary compression spring 524 is mounted on 1e upper portion of the standard I 5 and pressure is applied to the face 538a of the cam plate i353. The secondary compression spring supporting member lil', as shown in Fig. 27, may be welded to the standard 45 or fastened thereto by any other suitable means. The upper supporting member it? shown in Fig. 25 may of course also be welded to the cam plate E39 or fastened thereto by any suitable means and the lower member ill be fastened to the table H3.

As shown in Fig. 24, the secondary compression spring i2 5 exerts a force in the direction of the arrow against the lower portion of the cam plate H36, and the primary compression spring I i i exerts a pressure approximately centrally of the cam plate i 38. As shown in Fig. 26; the secondary compression spring applies its pressure in the direction of the arrow M and opposition to the forces applied by the primary compression spring.

lower secondary compression member I24 exerts a pull against the lower portion of the cam plate I30 in the direction indicated by arrow N, and the upper secondary compression member exerts a pull against the upper portion of the standard iii in the direction of the arrow 0. The primary compression spring exerts its pressure approximately centrally of the cam plate I30.

As shown in Fig. 2'7, the secondary compression spring exerts its forces in the direction of the arrow P.

Figures 43 to 46 show a modified form of mounting the instrument turntable on the instrument base. Threadedly connected to the instrument supporting base It is a vertical axle or bearing member I33 which passes through the tubular sleeve or member I34 threadedly connected to the turntable I4, the tubular member being formed in the instrument supporting standard I5. It is obvious that the tubular sleeve I34 may be made separately from the supporting standard, and in that case it is preferably welded thereto. The bearing axle or journal it which carries the instrument carrying head I? is journaled in the supporting standard i5 at I36. The vertical bearing member or axle I33 about which the turntable I4 rotates is provided at its respective ends with the necessary washers and nuts.

As shown in Figs. 42 and 45, the instrument supporting base I3 is fastened to the projecting arms I38 of the bracket It, the latter being mounted on the handle bar 8 of the motorcycle. Adjacent the exterior portion of the supporting base 53 is a front supporting leg I39 which is preferably mounted on the fork legs 3 of the motorcycle, but which obviously can be mounted on other parts of the motorcycle frame.

As shown in Figs. 44 to 46 inclusive, the bracket I31 is supported on a base I l-i3 which may be a constituent part of an automobile windshield, an automobile door, a tank, the fusilage of an aeroplane or dirigible, a locomotive engine, a railway car, or a boat. When using the mount on vehicles of the character above set forth or even on a motorcycle, the mount can be given a sliding forward and backward straight-line movement by employing the structure set forth in Figs. 44 to 46.

The bracket I3? is provided with a slot MI in which the vertical bearing member or journal I33 carried by the supporting base I3 can move in either direction from its normal central position, this being accomplished by loosening the screws I62 and M3. After the instrument base is set in a predetermined position, the screws are tightened to hold the base in said position. The above provides means for allowing the horizontal position of the mount to be varied. As shown in Fig. 44, the bracket I3? is fastened to the base Mil by the flange I44, and the adjusting screw I45 which looks the nut I460, against the tapered washer I48. The supporting arm It? is fastened to the bracket I31. The flange I44 and the arm Hill may be dispensed with and in that case the bracket arm ISM may be fastened to the base I40 by screws or bolts.

In Figs. 33 to 41 inclusive, there is shown auxiliary braking means. Fig. 13 shows one form of means for locking the turntable to the instrument supporting base I3. Greater facility for locking and braking the turntable to the supporting base may be provided for by operating a braking mechanism from the handle bar 8 of the motorcycle.

Mounted on the handle bar 8 are upper and lower flange couplings I48 and I49 coupled together by flange screws I56. The upper coupling N58 has projecting upwardly therefrom a base I5! provided with an arm I52 having a cable holder I53 apertured to permit the cable I54 to pass therethrough. The cable conduit I55 is fastened in the cable holder I53. Mounted on the upper face I56 of the base I5I and pivoting on the stud I5? is a handle head I58. Encasing the stud I5? is a ratchet spring I59 bearing against the under face of the stud head fell and the upper face of the interior flange iGI of the handle head I58, the spring functioning to keep the handle head let in tight engagement with the upper face I55 of the base Ital, except when the ratchet member functions.

A portion of the upper face I556 of the base I5I is provided with ratchet teeth 562 which cooperate with a dog I63 having a ratchet tooth I64, the dog forming a part of the handle head I53. Integral with the handle head I58 is a handle I65 and a lever arm 533. The cable I54 is pro vided with a groove which receives a screw I61 carried by the end of the lever arm I66 whereby the cable I54 is fastened to the lever arm.

When the handle I65 is pressed inwardly in the direction of arrow E, as shown in Fig. 33, the lever arm IE5 is rocked to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 37, pulling the cable I54 with it, and the latter being pinned at I69 to the end of the rocker arm H58 pulls the rocker arm in the direction of the arrow F in Fig. 33. The rocker arm 668 is threaded on a stud I'll carried by the instrument supporting base I3 adjacent its exterior portion or peripheral edge. A spacing washer Ill is positioned on the stud between the instrument supporting base l3 and the turntable I4. Between the under face of the head I58a of the lever arm and the turntable Id, and mounted on the stud tilt is a brake I12. The upper face of the brake is cut away from the point I13 to its outer circumferential edge I'M to leave a clearance space so that when the rocker arm I68 functions it only brakes on the uncut other half of the circumferential face of the brake. The lower face Il5 of the brake has extending downwardly therefrom for half of its circumferential distance a circumferential shoulder I16. When the rocker arm Itfi is pulled in the direction of the arrow E, as shown in Fig. 33, the rocker arm head I 680. presses against the shoe portion I TI of the brake and the latter in turn brakes the turntable I4.

The means for locking the turntable to the instrument supporting base set forth in Fig. 12 may, if desired, be used in combination with the braking arrangement immediately above described. However, for most purposes, it is desirable to withdraw the pin 94 from the recess 93 and to control the braking of the turntable I4 to the instrument supporting base I3 by the braking mechanism above described. It is clear that the pin and recess locking arrangement locks the turntable to the instrument supporting base at any position desired, and therefore provides, as set forth, greater facility of operation.

Means are provided for braking the carrying head H in any desired position. The lower flange coupling I49 is provided on its lower face :18 with ratchet teeth I'IS which cooperate with the dog I88 having a ratchet tooth. The handle head Iti of the lower coupling I49 is provided with ahandle I82 and a lever arm I83. The cable ISA. is provided with a groove which receives a screw 534a carried by the end of the lever arm I83 whereby the cable I8 3 is fastened to the lever arm. The upper coupling M9 has projecting therefrom an arm I having a cable holder I86 to permit the cable to pass therethrough. The cable conduit i8? is fastened in the cable holder E86 by screwing down the nut I88.

The conduit 58'] passes through a cable guide I89 secured to the standard I5. The cable I84 is fastened to the arm use at the point isl. The arm ISB is fixed on the end of pin I92 which is threadedly carried by the standard I5 and has a smooth face contact from the point I94 with the washer I93 and the disk plate H12 of the carrying head I1. Mounted on the bolt I92 is a braking shoe I95 which is made similar to the braking member I72 previously described, the braking member I85 having a shoe portion Hi6 and a shoulder portion I91. The bolt I92 carries a tightening nut I98.

When the handle 83 is pressed inwardly in the direction of the arrow G, as shown in Fig. 37, the lever arm I83 is rocked inwardly to the position shown in dotted lines, pulling the cable I84- with it, the latter being pinned at I9I to the end of the lever arm ISll. As the lever arm is rotated it tightens the braking shoulder I9! against the disk I02.

The cable conduits I55 and I81 pass through a conduit holder I99 carried by the handle bars 8. The cable conduit I55 is also supported by the conduit holder 2M Which is fastened to the instrument supporting base I 3.

As shown in Figs. 47 and 54 inclusive, means are provided for locking an instrument such as a gun or the like to the instrument seat IS.

The bottom member 2% of the trigger guard of the gun rests on seat I8. Clamping jaws 282 and 283 function in their locked position to securely hold the gun to the seat rest. The clamping jaws which are pivoted on a pin 204 are provided with opening and closing cam levers 265 and 2% having cam portions Bill and 26%? upon which rollers 2% and 2m ride to eifect opening and closing of the clamping jaws. In the closed position, the jaws are locked by the following means: the lock-case 2H has a rear wall ZIZ in which the clamping jaw pin 2&4 and the master pin 2I3 are fixed. Mounted on the master pin is a lock member 2M provided with a slot 2I5 to allow the member 2M to move upwardly and downwardly, the limit of such movement being fixed by the relationship of the pin 2I3 in the slot 225. Extending from the lower portion of the side wall ZIE of the lock member 2M is a flange 2H which is cut away to form with the side wall a rectangular opening 2I8. Mounted for rotation on the master pin 2| 3 is a locking dog 2w having a hub 22b. Projecting centrally from. one side of the hub is a flange 22I rectangular in shape, and projecting centrally from the other side of the hub is a flange 222 shouldered to provide several steps 223 which correspend and fit face to face with the steps 22d of the key locking and unlocking flange 225, the latter being carried by the key hub 226 having an aperture 22?, the key having the usual key arm 228.

Fig. 48 shows the gun in a locked position and the detailed position of the locking mechanism is shown in the locked position in Fig. 52. To unlock, the key is inserted in the key hole 229 and engages the master pin 2I3. The key on being given an anti-clockwise motion passes by the steps 223 of the dog flange 222 and on continued movement engages the dog flange 22I which in turn engages flange 2I I of the roller member 2M and forces downwardly the cam rollers 299 and 2m riding on the cam portions 20? and 288 of the aw levers 28S and 295 vhereby the latter are forced into their releasing position, as shown in Fig. 49. The spring 23% connects the lower end of the clamping jaws. Fig. 51 shows the locking mechanism in its open po sition.

It is to be noted that the dog flanges 22% and 222 are in a substantially horizontal. position, as shown in Fig. 48 when the locking member is in its locked position and the flanges engage the inner faces of the cam locking levers 265 and 295.

Fig. 49 shows the clamping jaws in their unlocked position with the rollers 28% and 2H! in their lowermost position. The dog 259 is in its open position, but it is to be noted that the flange 22% of the dog engages the flange 2i? of the roller member 2 I6 and the stepped dog flange 222 is in its upper position. If the dog 2I9 is turned to the position shown in Fig. 48, the jaws are locked. However, if the movement of the dog see is continued to the position shown in Fig. 50, the rollers 233 and 225 will ride upwardly under the action of the tension forces induced by the spring 23% and the jaws will assume the position shown in Fig. 50 whereby the bottom member is! of the trigger guard can be snapped into position where it is held for action. The jaws 282 and 263 are provided with cam faces 292a and Ellis to facilitate the positioning of the bottom member 223i of the trigger guard on the seat rest 8. The gun after being positioned, as shown in Fig. 50 may be locked to the seat by turning the key so that is locking mechanism assumes the position shown Fig. 48.

The steps 223 function to allow the key flange 22 to pass around the dog flange 222 and contact with the dog flange 223, this occurring on the opening of the locking mechanism. The steps 223 also allow the dog to rotate freely in the slot 2I8, as shown in Fig. 50.

The mount is provided with a light or lamp it'll fixed to the arm E9, the light bein preferably positioned so that the horizontal central axis of the lamp is parallel to the horizontal central axis of the gun 2d. The lamp has a lens 232 carrying at its center point a bullseye 233 which is in the form of a colored spot or a black spot, the bulls-eye functioning to throw a shadow against an object. The lamp 23I functions in several different ways. At night the lamp functions as a spot light and further, as

it throws a shadow of the bulls-eye 233, it furnishes a target. Since the lamp axis is parallel to the gun axis, the shadow thrown on the object by the bulls-eye functions as a target and furnishes means for determining at what portion of the object aim is to be taken. In other Words, if the horizontal axis of the gun is about 6 inches above the horizontal axis of the lamp, one will know that the bullet will strike about 6 inches above the target. The target further serves as an indicator. For example, by means of the target, one may definitely spot the rear tire of an automobile and then raise or lower the gun so as to hit the tire in its center, or the position of the gun may be adjusted, so that the bullet issuing therefrom may entirely clear the tire and hit a different portion of the automobile.

The lamp Edi also functions as a signal light and the signal control mechanism necessary for accomplishing the same as set forth in Figs. 55 to 59 inclusive. Positioned on the handle bar 8 is a signal instrument 23% provided with a multiple switch control. The instrument comprises a base 235 properly insulated to carry out its functions, the base having a head 2% for carrying a contact arm 231, the latter being attached to the head by means of a bolt 238, spring 239 and washer 2% and nut 2 32. A wire clip 2M carries the wire 2 3M. Mounted on the contact arm 2st is an insulated handle or key 243 and contact nose 24%. The base 235 has fixed thereto by means of the screw 238 a contact block 2&5 having female contact recesses 256 and 2 3?. The base 235 is also provided with an insulated recess 2419. The base may be made of any suitable insulating material such as bakelite.

Carried by the screw Me is a contact switch lever 255i which may contact with switch points 25!, 252, 253 and 25 3, current being supplied by the battery 255 or any other suitable source of current. The lamp 234 is connected in circuit 25% and the horn is connected in circuit 25L as shown in Fig, 58.

When the key 2 is pressed down so that the contact nose 2M. is in contact with the recess 2% and the switch lever 256 is in contact with switch point 25H, the lamp 23E is continuously lighted. With the contact nose 2% in recess 2%, the switch lever 256 may be moved over to contact with switch point 25- 3, and the horn 258 or its equivalent, such as a siren, noise whistle, or the like, continuously sounds. With the contact nose 2% in contact, as above set forth, when the switch lever 25b is moved so as to contact with the contact points 2'52 and 253, both the light and horn are continuously in operation. It is to be noted that the fit of the contact nose 2% with the contact recess 246 is such that when the two are brought together it is necessary to manually remove the contact nose 2 from the recess in order to terminate the functioning of the light or horn.

The contact nose 2% may be brought in contact with the walls of recess 2d? and the contact nose may be given such a movement as to read out Morse signals, Continental signals, or any other desired signals. With the contact nose 2 3s in contact with the walls of the recess 24?, on vibration or movement of the contact nose 2%, the light 235 will read out the desired signals when the switch lever 25%) is on the contact point 25!. When the switch lever 25% is in contact with the point 25 the horn will give the desired signals. When the switch lever 256 is in con tact with the points 252 and 253, both light and horn will give the desired signals. A number of conditions may arise where it is eminently desirable to read out signals with both the light and the horn. For example, on a foggy night the light can only be seen for a Very short distance, and then it is desirable to signal with the horn. At night-time on noisy streets, it may be desirable to use the light and horn in conjunction or if the noise is too confusing, the light only may be operated to give the desired signals.

In highway policing and in army work, many times squadrons of motorcycles or automobiles may be employed which are equipped with the signalling apparatus herein set forth. If the squadron members become separated those who are in the front may signal to those in the back by means of the horn and light, or those in the back may signal to those in the front. If the horn is not heard, then the light signals can be picked up, and in this manner there is formed a dual signal control.

The signal control above set forth may be used. not only on motorcycles but can be used on aeroplanes, dirigibles, automobiles, tanks, boats and the like. However, it is particularly valuable when used on a motorcycle. When the contact nose 2% is in the contact recess 249, both the horn and the lights are off.

The bulls-eye 233 may be made of a colored material or a black material, and in this case it will of course give a black shadow. In place of the colored or black bulls-eye there may be substituted therefor a very powerful lens which will modify the rays of light so as to throw a very powerfully illuminated target, the target being surrounded by the ordinary light rays originating from the original lamp lens.

As shown in Figs. 60 to 66 inclusive, means are provided for controlling the firing of the gun from the handle bar 8 of the motorcycle. Mounted on the handle bar is a coupling 255 having extending therefrom an arm 2% provided at its end with a cable holder 26! for supporting the cable conduit 26%? and guiding the cable 263 therethrough, the cable being fastened in the locking jaw 283, as shown in Fig. 61 and Fig. 63. The cable is carried through an apertured bolt which fastens together the supporting base 53 and the turntable M, the latter being rotatably mounted.

Mounted on the coupling 259 is a lever bar 264 having a lever or handle 265, and a cable arm 266. Q

The cable 263 has a circumferential slot 261 which receives a screw 268 Working in the arm 266. The screw shank 2% is of such a length as to leave a clearance space 216 between its end and the circumferential surface of the slot 26? so that r the cable 263 may rotate as hereinafter described.

When the hand lever 265 is pulled inwardly in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 65, arm 266 moves in a clockwise direction, carrying with it cable 263 which rotates, the cable being bent at a right angle at the point 2 H.

Screwed into the locking jaw 293 is a cable plug 2'53 apertured to allow the cable 263 to pass therethrough. The plug carries a spiralway N2 and is provided with a straight line slot El i. The cable carries a projecting male pin 2H) which works in the spiralway 2'l2. When the hand lever 265 is pulled in the direction of the arrow, as shown in Fig. 65, the cable 263 rotates and carries with it the pin 2'55 which rides in the spiralway 2'32 until it reaches the point 2?! of the straight line slot 2M. As the cable rotates, of course the cable arm 263a is carried with it. The course of travel of the cable arm 263a is shown by the small arrows respectively designated H, K and L in Figs. 60, 61 and 63, respectively. By the time the cable arm 263a has traveled the distance indicated by the arrows, the male pin Zl'i has traveled in the spiralway to the point 2H. When the pin reaches this point, the cable arm 253 is opposite the trigger 218 and immediately contacts therewith, pushing it backward and thereby firing the gun. If the gun is of the automatic firing type, the lever 265 is held in the firing position. When the handle is released, the spring 2'65 encasing the cable retracts the cable arm and pulls male pin 2 55 back against the bearing shoulder 279. The cable is then in the position shown in Fig. 61.

At one end of the cable plug 2'53 is a tapered portion 28% which receives the conduit 262, the latter being held in place by the compression nut 28!. The other end of the cable conduit 262 is fastened in a similar manner, as indicated in Fig. 65.

Means are provided for maintaining the gun in a safety position when utilizing a handle bar control for firing the gun. The cable 263 is provided with a secondary slot 282. When it is desired to keep the cable arm 263a in .a safety position, the screw 2% is unfastened so as to allow the cable 263 to be moved forwardly until the slot 282 is positioned under the end of the screw shank 269. Thereafter, the screw 268 is turned so that the shank 269 engages the recess 282, but allows a clearance between its end and the circumferential surface of the slot so that the cable 263 and the cable arm 263a may rotate, if desired, although in this position freedom of rotation is not absolutely essential. However, when the screw 268 is engaged in the slot 267, freedom of rotation of. the cable is necessary.

away to provide a shoulder 283. The coupling 259 is provided with a pin 284.

When the screw 268 is in the circumferential slot 257, the lever 265 and the lever head is in the firing position, as shown in Fig. 65. When the cable arm is moved so as to allow the screw 268 to engage the recess 282, on moving lever 265 inwardly it will be seen that the shoulder 283 contacts against the pin 284 and the distance between the pin 284 and the shoulder 283 is correlated to the distance between the recesses 26'! and 282. When the screw 268 is in the recess 282, the lever 255 has beenpushed inwardly so that the shoulder 283 abuts against the pin 28 i and therefore cannot act to further move the cable. If the handle 265 is pushed upwardly from the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 65, then the motion is carried upwardly and pin 216 will then rest against the face of the bearing member 2'59 and so again position the cable 263 in a safety position, thereby insuring a positive safety.

What I claim is:

1. In an instrument mount, the combination of an instrument supporting base, a turntable rotatably mounted thereon, an instrument carrying head adapted to have an instrument positioned thereon carried by said turntable and pivotally mounted to SWing about a transverse axis, said instrument carrying head being in the shape of a flat plate, and braking means including a spring pressed plunger supported on the turntable and bearing against the plate adjacent its periphery for holding the plate in a predetermined position against the turning movement in duced by the instrument.

2. In an instrument mount, the combination of an instrument supporting base, a turntable rotatably mounted thereon, an instrument carrying head adapted to have an instrument positioned thereon carried by said turntable and pivotally mounted to swing about a transverse axis, said instrument carrying head being in the shape of a flat plate, primary braking means mounted on i said transverse axis, and secondary braking means including a spring pressed plunger positioned adjacent one edge of the plate, said secondary braking means holding the plate in a predetermined position against the turning movement induced by an instrument.

'3. In an instrument, the combination of an instrument supporting base, a turntable rotatably mountedthereon, an instrument carrying head adapted to have an instrument positioned thereon carried by said turntable and pivotally mounted to swing about a transverse axis, said instrument carrying head having a cam plate comprising opposed flat cam segments positioned at an obtuse angle to one another, braking means for setting said cam member under a predetermined braking pressure to hold the instrument carrying head and instrument mounted thereon at a predetermined set initial position, said cam plate tightening itself against said braking means as the instrument carrying head and instrument move from a predetermined set position, and

other braking means engaging said head and exerting constant braking efiect thereon in all positions of the head.

l. In an instrument mount, the combination of an instrument supporting base, braking means mounted thereon to hold an instrument carrying head in a predetermined set position, an instrument carrying head spaced from the supporting base and pivotally mounted to swing about a transverse axis, said instrument carrying head having a relatively thin metal plate positioned against said braking means and bent to provide opposing flat cam segments shaped to tighten themselves against said braking means as the instrument carrying head and instrument move from a set initial position, and other braking means engaging said head and exerting constant braking effect thereon in all positions of the head.

5. In an instrument mount, a support, an instrument carrying head pivotally mounted on said support and having a face provided with a pair of synclinally arranged braking surfaces, braking means engaging said face at the junction of the synclinally arranged surfaces in the normal position of the head and pressing against the face substantially at right angles thereto whereby movement of the head from normal position increases the braking effect of said braking means, and other braking means engaging said head and exerting constant braking effect thereon in all positions of the head.

6. In an instrument mount, a support, an instrument carrying head pivotally mounted on said support and provided with an arcuate portion concentric with the pivotal axis, said arcuate portion having a side face provided with a pair of synclinally arranged braking surfaces, braking means engaging said face at the junction of the synclinally arranged surfaces in the normal position of the head and pressing against said face in a direction substantially parallel to the pivotal axis of said head, whereby movement of the head from normal position increases the effect of said braking means, and other braking means engaging said head and exerting constant braking effect thereon in all positions of the head.

'7. In an instrument mount, a support, an instrument carrying head pivotally mounted on said support and having a face provided with a pair of synclinally arranged braking surfaces, braking means engaging said face at the junction of the synclinally arranged surfaces in the normal position of the head and pressing against the face substantially at right angles thereto whereby movement of the head from normal position increases the braking effect of said braking means, other braking means engaging said head and exerting constant braking effect thereon in all positions of the head, and means for independently adjusting the initial pressures of the respective braking means against said head.

8. In an instrument mount; a support, an instrument carrying head pivotally mounted on said support and provided with an arcuate portion concentric with the pivotal axis, said arcuate portion having a side face provided with a pair of synclinally arranged braking surfaces, braking 

